Step One: Prep Nails

Step Two: Apply Orange Base

Apply two coats of a bright orange polish.

Photo: Gorilla Productions

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Step Five: Apply Top Coat

When the black outline is dry, apply a topcoat.

Photo: Gorilla Productions

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Step Three: Create Coral

Using a white nail art pen, draw shell-like shapes over the nails. Start by outlining an upside down fan-shaped triangle, filling it in, and adding two little triangles on either side. Add wavy tree-like patterns behind the shells for the coral reef.

Photo: Gorilla Productions

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Step Four: Outline the Designs

When the white is dry, start outlining the shapes you have just made with a black nail art pen. Then, add three lines inside the shell from the top to the point of the triangle to create a shell.

Photo: Gorilla Productions

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The Finished Look

Admire your handiwork! If you have different colored nail art pens, you can create coral in various colors. Get creative and experiment with the shades you like best.

Photo: Gorilla Productions

Nails

Coral Reef-Inspired Nail Art Tutorial

Bring this underwater element to life in five steps.

Spring/summer 2012 runway trends were the inspiration for this look, from Nails by Sophie of The Illustrated Nail. The brightly colored base coat and ocean-themed design will have you wishing you were at the beach from the moment you pick up your polish.